SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday mourned the passing of Sec. Susan “Toots” Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers.

“Migrant workers, and workers in general, have just lost a great and tireless champion in Secretary Ople.

She was the first secretary of the department Congress had created to focus on attending to the welfare of millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),” Speaker Romualdez, head of the 311 member House of Representatives, said.

The Speaker said Ople was a consistent advocate of protecting workers’ rights, earning accolades not only from local labor groups but from international organisations as well.

“She took up such advocacy from her father, the late Senate President Blas F. Ople, who was labor minister of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Father and daughter served under two Marcoses,” he said.

The House leader noted that after the death of her father, Toots Ople, as a civilian, continued to help OFWs and domestic workers and pushed for their rights, using the advocacy office set up by her father, the Blas F. Ople Center.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to Secretary Toots Ople’s family and loved ones at this most difficult time,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, chairman of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, OFW Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino, and Act-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo also mourned the demise of Ople.

“Let me convey my deepest sympathies to the family of the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople over her untimely demise.

Her integrity, strength of character and unwavering dedication to public service served as an inspiration to us all. As president and founder of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Toots untiringly fought for the rights and welfare of distressed overseas Filipino workers.

She continued her lifelong mission of protecting our OFWs when she was appointed as the first-ever Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.” Yamsuan said.

“When Toots said that the DMW “is every OFW’s home in the government,” no one doubted her words. She pooled all the knowledge and experience she gained as the former chief of staff of her father, Senator and Labor Secretary Blas Ople; as erstwhile undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment; and as president of the Ople Policy Center to ensure that the DMW truly serves the best interests of Filipino migrant workers and their families.

I join the nation in mourning Toots’ passing. This is a personal loss for me and my family. Toots was our “kinakapatid” as Ka Blas was godfather to Cathy and I when we got married.

Toots will never be forgotten, both as a close friend and as a model of exemplary public service. Those of us who knew her and her kindness will always cherish her memory,” Yamsuan added.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Secretary Susan Toots Ople, and the entire Department of Migrant Workers. Secretary Ople was a true champion of the Filipino Migrant Workers. Her passing is a great loss to the entire Filipino nation.

She was a dear friend and a colleague. Her passion in promoting and protecting the welfare of every Filipino Migrant Worker is truly appreciated and will be greatly missed. We hope to honor her life’s work by continually advocating for the rights and the protection of the welfare of our Filipino Migrant Workers. Her legacy will live on,” Salo said.

“Si Sec. Toots ay isang matibay na haligi ng adbokasiya sa pagprotekta sa ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Bago pa man ang kanilang paninilbihan sa gobyerno, magkaagapay na sila ni Congw. Marissa ‘Del Mar’ Magsino sa laban sa pagtataguyod ng kapakanan ng ating mga OFWs,” Magsino said.

“Sa pagpanaw ni Sec. Toots, dala niya ang legasiya ng ilang dekadang pakikipagbaka para sa karapatan ng ating mga OFWs, ang tunay na malasakit para sa ating mga bagong bayani, at ang matatag na pamumuno sa DMW na naglatag ng mga polisiya at programang angkop sa pangangailangan ng ating mga migrante,” Magsino added.

For her part, Tulfo said “her commitment, passion and dedication in serving our country, her fellow Filipinos and protecting our Overseas Filipino Workers is truly remarkable and have touched the lives of many.

Our heart goes out to her loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time. We will continue her legacy and advocate for the protection of the rights and welfare of our OFWs.”